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Impact Report
Blind Student Training Programme - -2020
Year: 2020
🏷️
Education & Skill Development
Programme at a Glance
₹
2,27,500
Budget Used
6,520
Total Reach
◎
1,304
Direct Beneficiaries
5,216
Indirect Beneficiaries
↗
1 : 4
Multiplier Effect
Executive Summary
The Blind Student Training Programme (2020) was implemented by The Dream Welfare Society as an emergency response to the severe digital, educational, and mobility exclusion faced by visually impaired students during the COVID-19 lockdown. As education rapidly shifted online, blind students were at high risk of complete academic dropout due to inaccessible platforms and lack of assistive technology skills. With a total expenditure of ₹2,27,500, the programme trained 120 visually impaired students in digital independence using screen readers (NVDA/JAWS) and pandemic-safe mobility techniques. The intervention achieved a direct impact on 1,304 individuals, including students and their immediate care ecosystem, and an indirect community-level impact on 5,216 people by promoting disability inclusion and accessibility awareness.
Key Findings
- Assistive technology training enables full digital participation for blind students
- Independence of a blind student significantly reduces caregiver burden
- Remote, audio-based pedagogy can be effective for special-needs education
- Digital accessibility is a prerequisite for inclusive education systems
- Empowering persons with disabilities produces strong social multiplier effects
Project Snapshot
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Blind Student Training Programme - -2020 |
| Year | 2020 |
| Budget | ₹ 2,27,500 |
| Direct Impact | 1,304 |
| Indirect Impact | 5,216 |
| Total Reach | 6,520 |
Challenges & Learnings
Challenges
- Limited availability of smartphones and assistive devices
- Poor network connectivity in low-income settlements
- Difficulty in teaching fine motor and mobility skills remotely
- Initial parental overprotection restricting independence
Learnings
- Technology is the strongest equalizer for persons with visual impairment
- Peer mentoring (“blind teaching blind”) accelerates learning
- Audio manuals are more effective than written documentation
- Independence training transforms family and community perceptions
Methodology
- Audit of training logs and expenditure records
- Live tele-audits to test digital task execution
- Caregiver interviews to measure dependency reduction
- Observation-based assessment of indoor navigation skills
- Skill milestone tracking instead of attendance-based evaluation
Impact Analysis
- Shift to audio and digital learning reduced braille paper usage
- Estimated saving of ~50,000 pages through digital note-taking
Conclusion
The Blind Student Training Programme (2020) stands as a landmark intervention in inclusive education during the COVID-19 crisis. With an investment of ₹2,27,500, The Dream Welfare Society empowered 120 visually impaired students to reclaim their education, independence, and dignity. The verified direct impact on 1,304 individuals and indirect impact on 5,216 community members demonstrate that when the most marginalized are empowered, entire ecosystems heal. The programme proved that social distancing need not result in social exclusion—and that accessibility is the foundation of equity.
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